A YOUNG dad who attacked two people in one night - one victim ending up with a broken arm - has been sent to jail for nine months.
Burnley Crown Court heard there had been a history between one complainant, Brendan Alexander, and defendant Andrew Ratcliffe, 21. But the second person assaulted Michael Gent had nothing to do with it and was seriously injured with a rounders bat.
Ratcliffe, of Airdrie Crescent, Burnley, had admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm, assault causing actual bodily harm and damaging property.
Sentencing him, Recorder Timothy Ryder said such behaviour was simply unacceptable.
He said others must understand the court had a duty to innocent people who were standing by and were terrified at the prospect of being injured by Ratcliffe in a moment of madness.
The judge, who said he had no alternative but to impose custody, told the court it was a matter of regret as the defendant had "at long last," been making efforts to sort himself out.
Recorder Ryder added he hoped when Ratcliffe was released, he would make it up to his partner and child by taking up a proper sense of responsibility and providing for them.
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